Manatees on streetcorners?
by noidiotsplease
Similar to the well known cows that appeared all over the streetcorners of Chicago a few years back, Jacksonville's "Sea Cows for Kids" project has resulted in something like 40 to 50 painted, life-size manatee statues displayed on street corners throughout Downtown and the nearby San Marco and Five Points neighborhoods. First unveiled in 2004 and popular photo ops during Super Bowl week, these local artists' creations will be auctioned off in April of 2005 to support childrens' charities. Hopefully, many of the manatees' new owners will keep their purchases on the streets so that they will continue to serve as part of the city's ever-growing public art displays.
Denny's Disaster!!!
by Gra8ful about Denny's Restaurant
This Denny's was awful!! When we got to our Hotel off the I-95 exit we looked across the road and seen a Denny's, being hungry we picked them because it's right across the Holiday Inn we were staying at and we could just walk across the street. We got to Denney's at 4:00p.m. sat down and ordered when we finally got our food it was close to 6:00p.m. (we should have left). The portions were so Little compared to the Huge price not only that we didn't even get what we ordered. When we told the waitress that we didn't order this stuff, she said Oh well you might like it...Well we didn't. She never even attempted to fix our orders. This Place is a TOTAL waste of time and Money..Next time I will drive way out of my way before I ever eat there again!! I would NEVER recommend this Place out of a 1-10 I give it a -0...It's AWEFULL!!
Square one
by Jenniedilly9 about Pom's Thai Bistro
Square 1/ a.k.a Pom's Thai bistro is tons of fun. Trendy bar with lounging couches and overstuffed chairs make for a great nightlife experience. Live music @ night and a dance floor. Huge bar with $2 appletini's and cosmos on Thursdays. Go upstairs and enjoy the Thai bistro cuisine...pretty pricey meals but would be a great date environment or for a special occasion. Pad Thai, Key lime pie martini
Map of Jacksonville's fabulous beaches
by noidiotsplease
Here is a map of the different beaches that line Jacksonville's shoreline, including those on Amelia Island, just north of the city, and on Anastasia Island, to the south by St. Augustine. Each of the beaches listed has its own unique identity and distinctive feel. Enjoy!
SeaBreezeUSA's new Jacksonville page
by SeaBreezeUSA
A Touch of History
Long ago, Northeast Florida was first inhabited by Timucuan Indians who lived along creeks and waterways. The Spanish came into the area in 1513, led by Juan Ponce de Leon. He named the area La Florida and, in doing so, established the region's rich tradition of history and heritage. In 1564, the French built Fort Caroline in what is now Jacksonville, establishing the first Protestant colony in America. They lost their foothold in Florida to the Spanish, who conquered the French and built a settlement in nearby St. Augustine in 1565, 55 years before the Mayflower landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
The first community of freed black slaves in the United States, Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose, or Fort Mose, was established north of St. Augustine in 1738.
A major page of history turned when Florida became a U.S. territory in 1821 and a year later at "Cowford" a narrow spot on the St. Johns River to ferry cows across, the town of Jacksonville was established (named after General Andrew Jackson). By the time Florida achieved statehood in 1845, Jacksonville was an important port in the cotton and timber trades.
During the mid-to-late 19th century, Jacksonville was billed as the "winter city in summerland" and became a haven for those seeking respite from colder northern climes. The warm, sunny climate, beautiful beaches, a major shipping port, and the busy waterways drew tourists from around the world.
A raging fire in 1901 destroyed 2,368 downtown buildings but launched a renaissance which set the city on its modern-day course. Although slowed somewhat by the depression, Jacksonville rebounded during World War II with the building of military installations. In 1968, the city and county governments were joined to create the geographically largest city in the contiguous 48 states. At about the same time, modern skyscrapers and additional bridges were built making way for major development south of the river.
For the next 25 years, Jacksonville's river and its ocean port again served as the lifeblood of the area, attracting many new residents, businesses and visitors. The city quietly evolved into a major business center of the South. In 1993, the quiet ended. The National Football League awarded a franchise to Jacksonville, pushing the city into the national spotlight and toward a new destiny.
Today, Jacksonville is an exciting vibrant city that maximizes its natural attributes and reaches out to welcome visitors.
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NORTHBANK RIVERWALK, JACKSONVILLE
St John River, Jacksonville
opening day 2005
St. Johns River
